Trinity Methodist Church

About this place

Trinity Methodist Church stands at 32 Clive Square East in central Napier, facing Clive Square. Built in 1876 to a Gothic-inspired design by the Napier architect Walter Dugleby (with W.P. Finch), it is a scheduled heritage item in the Napier District Plan and is recognised for its contribution to the Clive Square townscape.

The Methodist presence on the site goes back further: John Harding bought an acre of land fronting Clive Square in 1857, Wesleyan members resolved to organise a circuit in 1873, and the Rev J.S. Smalley took up residence as Napier's first Methodist minister in 1874. The building survived the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake and the fire that followed — the fire that swept the central business district stopped short of the church when the wind changed — making Trinity the only inner-city Napier church that pre-dates the quake. Major interior alterations in 1956 produced the layout and fittings in use today.

The spaces

The site operates as a church and community hub with several rooms of different sizes:

• The main church auditorium, seating in the order of 140 for a seated audience, with a stage available for performance use.
• A lounge suited to smaller gatherings of around 40.
• A small meeting room for around 8 people.
• A full kitchen, with an additional kitchenette off the foyer.

Bookings are managed through an online hall booking system, and general enquiries go through the church office.

Event capability

Trinity is used for weddings and funerals, and as a concert and event venue — including a summer Music Vespers series held on the third Sunday of the month from October to April, plus occasional concerts and special events. The combination of a heritage auditorium, a lounge, a small meeting room and full kitchen facilities makes it workable for community conferences, seminars, workshops, AGMs and receptions, with catering brought in or prepared on site.

Suitability for MICE

This is a heritage church and community facility rather than a commercial conference venue, so organisers should expect a character building with straightforward amenities rather than integrated conference AV. It suits cultural programming, ceremonies, awards or recognition events, seminars and community-sector meetings in the centre of Napier, within walking distance of city accommodation and hospitality. Compare it with other Napier venues.